Coconut oil blends and how to make them
Did you know that coconut oil isn’t just incredible on its own and as a cooking oil? Coconut oil is extremely versatile and effective used as the base in a range of blends. These coconut oil blends are hugely varied in their purpose; from delivering the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric to serving as a fresh morning face wash.
Here we explore some of the different coconut oil blends and share with you how to make some of the most popular ones.
Why coconut oil?
Often the benefits of other ingredients and essential oils are highly enticing, but finding a delivery method can be tricky. You can’t easily use essential oils undiluted, or neat, and turmeric is best absorbed when consumed with oil, for example.
Coconut oil is an exceptional type of oil for these blends, or as a carrier oil. It can be used effectively for both topical use or for being ingested. We recommend using extra virgin coconut oil (this is the raw stuff) for skin use, and either this or our coconut cooking oil for coconut oil blends that you ingest. Both of our coconut oils are organic.
Choosing our coconut oil as the base for your blend ensures a natural and non-toxic way to benefit from other ingredients and processes. It is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, leading to a relatively long shelf-life for your homemade blend. Its consistency is perfect for topical use, being light, non-greasy, and even fluffy (particularly if you give it a whip!). It’s free of any nasties and is naturally rich in lauric acid, helping to reduce inflammation and breakouts. It’s absorbed easily (taking whatever other goodies you put into it with it). It’s a natural moisturiser and studies have shown that it can even boost collagen production.
Coconut oil is particularly great in blends if you are in need of hydration for your skin and hair. It’s soothing and is also a natural mild UV protectant. You can use it neat, straight from the jar, but why not try it in one of these popular blends?
Lemon & coconut oil face wash
Buying readymade natural face washes are expensive and it’s tricky to find ones which only contain pure ingredients. When you realise how simple it is to make your own, you won’t look back.
You’ll need
1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
10-15 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
1. Pop the coconut oil in a pan and melt slowly over a low heat.
2. Remove from the heat and gently stir in the bicarbonate of soda and lemon essential oil.
3. Whilst still liquid, pour into a glass jar.
Yes, it’s that easy! When you want to use it, take a small scoop with your fingers and rub together in your hands to warm it. Then use this with warm water to wash your face each morning.
Simplest ever coconut body scrub
Don’t want to be sending nasty microbeads down the drain, or covering your body with all sorts of synthetic ingredients? Opt for making the easiest two ingredient body scrub that can be ready in moments.
You’ll need
· 2 cups organic coconut sugar
· 1 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
Instructions
Mix them together, put in a jar, use when you need, job done!
If you want to create a lighter fluffier scrub then you can whip or beat the oil before stirring in the sugar.
If you want to push the boat out and add some scent then choose your favourite essential oil and add several drops but it really is lovely and decadent just as it is.
Turmeric golden paste (for turmeric lattes and divine curries)
If you’ve not heard of golden paste then you’re missing out on a wellbeing wonder. This incredible blend delivers the health benefits of turmeric by ensuring you always have to hand everything you need to grasp the health benefits of turmeric (and it’s most active compound, curcumin). Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, a powerful antioxidant, can help manage arthritis symptoms, reduces depression and can even lower your risk of heart disease and cancer.
You can use golden paste to flavour salad dressings, serve as a base in curries, sauces and soups, but many choose to enjoy theirs every day in a hot turmeric latte (sometimes known as turmeric golden milk). We promise that it will become one of your favourite moments in the day!
Turmeric golden paste blends coconut oil, ground turmeric and ground black pepper together with any other spices you like to add (our recipe includes cinnamon and ginger). Black pepper is used as it contains piperine which enhances the bioavailability of turmeric.
You’ll need
· ¼ cup coconut oil
· 1 cup water
· ½ cup ground turmeric
· 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
· 1 tsp ground ginger
· 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and warm over a low heat, stirring continuously until the oil is melted.
2. Simmer for 7-10 minutes until the spices are all well blended. Take care not to overcook the mixture as curcumin degrades if you cook it for a long time.
3. Place into a lidded jar and store in the fridge. It will last for approximately 3 weeks.
To make turmeric latte, simply mix some of the paste (around one rounded teaspoon) with coconut milk, or your preferred milk. We adore it with a good squeeze of coconut nectar just to give it a sweeter caramelised taste, but many people enjoy it without the need to indulge their sweet tooth!
CBD & coconut oil blend
Cannabinoids (CBD) are the active ingredients in hemp, not the psychoactive part (that’s THC). More and more people are realising the health benefits of CBD. Coconut oil makes a great blend with CBD because of its high lipid composition, allowing you to absorb the CBD more easily. For topical CBD oil for soothing skincare and pain relief, try this blend.
You’ll need
· 15g high CBD and low THC hemp
· 1 cup coconut oil
Instructions
1. Grind the hemp.
2. In a saucepan, melt the coconut oil over a very low heat.
3. Add the hemp and allow it to sit over a low heat for around 2-3 hours stirring occasionally. You may want to add some water to the mixture to prevent it burning.
4. Strain through a cheesecloth or muslin and store in an open jar. It will last for around 2 months like this.
What are you favourite coconut oil blends? How do you use coconut oil to get the benefits of other favourite ingredients?